Method and system for advanced electronic border security

Abstract

A system (10) for protecting a border (B) comprises a fiber-optic cable (12) extending from one end of a border to the other end thereof. The cable includes a bundle of optical fibers which connect to sensors placed at intervals long the border. Included within the fiber-optic cable is a high voltage conductor by which high voltage AC is introduced into, and passes through, the cable for powering the sensors. The high voltage is stepped down and rectified from AC to DC for this purpose. Various types of sensors (100-700) are arranged in pods (14) located at intervals along the length of the border. A method of border protection is also disclosed.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61 / 694,853 filed Aug. 30, 2012, and International Application PCT / US2013 / 057279 filed Aug. 29, 2013 and published under International Publication No. WO 2014 / 077933, by Richard D. Weinstein. for “A Method and System for Advanced Electronic Border Security”, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]N / ABACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to border protection between two countries or bounded areas; and, more particularly, to a method and system for advanced electronic border protection using a buried fiber-optic cable in which high voltage conductors are enclosed within the same cable sheath. This allows electrical power to be supplied throughout the length of the border without requiring power sources located at intermediate points along the length of the bo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The method and system provide a cost effective border protection system which is highly sensitive and reliable in detecting border incursions and reporting such incursions to a monitoring site or sites. As such, the need for installing and maintaining electrical generators and related equipment at sites intermediate the respective ends of the border is eliminated.

[0014]The system is relatively low maintenance because the number and location of power sources is substantially reduced with the power source being located at a readily accessible location for ease of maintenance and repair. Similarly, sensors and ancillary equipment is packaged for ease of service and or replacement to reduce any “down” time and insure border integrity throughout the length of the border.

Problems solved by technology

One of the challenges in protecting borders is that borders usually involve long distances, covering a wide variety of terrains (flat, rolling, mountainous, sandy, packed earth, rocky, forested, water, swampy or marshy, etc.).

Further, much, if not most, of a border usually stretches through remote and uninhabited areas.

As a consequence, available electric utility service, installation of above ground monitoring equipment and underground sensors, system security, and the maintenance and repair of remote electric power generators to power the monitoring equipment and sensors, as well as ground radar, if it is employed, is scarce and cost prohibitive to install and maintain.

However, these systems, while effective, are directed to surveillance and security at only one site rather than along the entire length of a boundary or border.

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